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Statement from Dorsett Immigration Law Regarding End of DACA

Today, the Trump administration announced an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as “DACA.” DACA is a critically important program that protects immigrants who entered the United States as children, and allows them to attend higher education institutions and receive employment authorization. Since the Obama administration implemented DACA in 2012, an estimated 800,000 immigrants have applied for DACA. There is wide support for the program, including over 1800 mayors and other state officials, hundreds of CEOs, and members of Congress from both parties. According to a survey by Morning Consult and Politico, more than three out of four Americans believe the Dreamers should be allowed to stay in the United States.

Recent research by the Center for American Progress estimated that ending DACA would cost the U.S. economy $433 billion dollars over the next ten years and over 600,000 Dreamers would immediately lose their jobs. DACA recipients have paid almost $1 billion in initial and renewal fees to the federal government. According to a report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, young undocumented immigrants enrolled or immediately eligible for DACA contribute an estimated $2 billion per year in state and local taxes. Ending DACA is not only heartless, it works against the Trump administration’s oft-repeated goal of growing the U.S. economy.

The Trump administration is delaying the end of the program for six months, which will give Congress a chance to protect the Dreamers. There is a proposed bill before Congress that would protect the former recipients of DACA. This bill also appears to be more inclusive and lead to a more permanent status in the United States. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know whether the bill will pass in this or any form. We urge all members of Congress to act decisively to preserve DACA.

Dorsett Immigration Law, a law firm founded by an immigrant, proudly stands with the Dreamers.